Stellantis testing new diesel-hybrid engine for vans

MILAN, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Stellantis is testing a new diesel-hybrid powertrain for its large-sized commercial vehicles in Europe, the Italian Uilm union said on Thursday after a meeting with the automaker.

• The new powertrain will be developed in the Pratola Serra engine making plant in southern Italy, supplying the Stellantis van making facility of Atessa, Italy

• A Stellantis spokesperson said the diesel-hybrid powertrain was still in a testing phase, with no timeframe yet established for its market launch

• The spokesperson said the new powertrain was expected to be made available in the next generation of vans to be produced in Atessa, for which the company has announced investments of €1 billion ($1.12 billion)

• Stellantis sells large commercial vehicles under various nameplates including Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Jumper

• The Uilm union also said that workers' furloughs at Stellantis plants in Italy would be 30% lower this year compared to 2025

($1 = 0.8925 euros)

(Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari, editing by Alvise Armellini)